"We have to meet these challenges and we will. We have total faith in Brad who, as I said after the game against Manchester United on Saturday, can be proud of the way he stepped in when Shay had to come off.

"We will need within the football club for everybody to stick together and that strength of unity will help massively."

Meanwhile, Villa are awaiting results of a scan undergone by Jermaine Jenas, who was also carried off on a stretcher against United.

The on-loan Tottenham midfielder left the field with a serious-looking ankle injury after 64 minutes.

He posted on Twitter: "Thanx 2 u all 4 ur support Im obviously gutted but it happens in football I'll b back stronger, again thanx I'll keep u updated on progress!"